In Aztec beliefs, the deity overseeing the cycle of life and death is Tezcatlipoca. As a crucial figure in their pantheon, he embodies the forces of change, conflict, and creation. Often associated with obsidian and the night sky, Tezcatlipoca plays a vital role in maintaining balance within the universe, dictating the cycles of nature and time. His narratives emphasize the dual nature of existence, portraying life as an interwoven tapestry of birth, death, and rebirth, which reflects the Aztecs' profound understanding of the human experience and the interconnectedness of all life forms.